The Federal Ministry of Finance anticipates receiving less revenue from the value-added tax than the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs suggests. According to a ministry spokesperson speaking to the dts news agency in Berlin on Friday, current estimates do not foresee additional income. The Ministry, led by Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD), based this assessment on expectations of a “lower consumption” and “certain consumer restraint due to the high prices” following the Iranian conflict. This position contradicts statements made by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU). Reiche projects additional revenue of 200 million euros. On Friday, the minister stated that these funds “should not remain in the Federal Ministry of Finance”. Instead, she proposes using them to finance an increased commuting allowance, a direct payment mechanism for commuters with particularly long routes, and a reduction in diesel taxes for trucks. Furthermore, the CDU politician firmly rejects the idea of an “excess profit tax” on oil corporations, a measure advocated by the SPD and its party leader Klingbeil.
Economy / Finance
